HGV Class 1 Driver

HGV Class 1 Driver

Rochester, Kent

£37,000 Basic | OTE £50,000+ | Overtime Available | Full-Time Permanent

Major Recruitment is proud to be working in partnership with one of the UK’s largest food suppliers to recruit experienced HGV Class 1 Drivers for their busy and expanding transport operation based in Rochester, Kent.

Our client is a well-established business with a nationwide logistics network, supplying major UK food retailers and operating across more than 200 sites throughout the country. Due to continued growth and increasing demand, they are looking to add professional and reliable drivers to their transport team.

This is an excellent opportunity for drivers seeking long-term stability, regular overtime, competitive earnings and the chance to join a successful business that invests heavily in its people.

Immediate starts available for the right person.

The Role:

As an HGV Class 1 Driver, you will play a key role in the movement of products and equipment across the UK, ensuring deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time.

Duties will include:

• Driving HGV Class 1 (C+E) vehicles across the UK
• Collecting and delivering goods between operational sites, warehouses and major retailer distribution centres
• Completing vehicle checks, defect reporting and transport documentation
• Ensuring compliance with Driver Hours Regulations and company procedures
• Loading and unloading vehicles where required
• Using pump trucks and counterbalance forklifts (training provided)
• Carrying out occasional shunting duties
• Maintaining high standards of vehicle cleanliness and presentation
• Providing a professional service to customers and colleagues at all times

Drivers operate from the Rochester depot each day, collecting their allocated vehicle before commencing routes.

Routes & Travel:

• UK-wide deliveries and collections as far as Scotland
• Regular work to major supermarket distribution centres
• Mixture of local and long-distance routes
• Overnight stays required on occasion for longer journeys
• Overnight allowance paid (£25-£30 per night)
• Typically no more than one night out per week

Due to the rural nature of some collection points, applicants should be confident driving on country roads and have a minimum of one year’s Class 1 experience.

Working Pattern:

40 hours but most drivers work overtime up to 50-55 hours per week on a rolling rota:

Week 1

• 5 Days On
• 1 Day Off

Week 2

• 5 Days On
• 2 Days Off

This rota provides approximately one full weekend Saturday and Sunday off every 12 weeks.

Salary & Benefits:

Pay

• £17.90 per hour for the first 40 hours worked
• £22.37 per hour after 40 hours (Time + 25%)
• Overtime available throughout the year
• Typical earnings of £50,000+ with overtime
• Basic earnings approximately £37,000 per year
• Paid fortnightly
• All breaks paid

Additional Payments

• Overnight allowance for nights away
• Additional £25 per day when driving the company’s 30-seat bus (where required at the Kent site)

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme
• 28 days holiday – increasing with service
• Additional day’s holiday for every two years of service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private GP service
• Eyecare vouchers
• Employee discount platform
• Free onsite parking
• Free Will Writing service
• Free English language training
• Online learning and development platform
• Company accommodation available where required

Requirements:

Essential

• HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) Licence
• Valid Driver CPC
• Digital Tachograph Card
• Minimum 1 year’s Class 1 driving experience
• Good understanding of driver hours and transport legislation
• Professional and safety-focused attitude
• Flexible approach to working hours

Desirable

• Counterbalance Forklift experience (Training required but must be willing)
• PSV Licence – Applicants interested in obtaining a PSV Licence may be eligible for funded training.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join one of the UK’s largest food supply businesses, operating a substantial national transport network and supplying many of the country’s leading retailers. With consistent work available year-round, excellent earning potential and genuine long-term career opportunities, this role is ideal for experienced Class 1 drivers looking for their next challenge.

To apply or find out more, please contact Major Recruitment today.

INDMG